Graduates interested in answering major questions relating to marine toxins are invited to apply for the opportunity to work with outstanding aquatic research scientists within a dynamic and supportive research environment. Supervised by ARC Future Fellow Dr Shauna Murray the successful applicants will be based in the UTS Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, (C3) in association with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. These projects offer a unique chance to work in purpose built, world class facilities as part of an international collaboration, the outcomes of which hope to make significant contribution to aquaculture industries and coastal communities.
Project 1. Molecular ecology and evolution of paralytic shellfish toxins
Paralytic shellfish toxins are a major group of marine biotoxins produced by certain species of phytoplankton, with potentially severe impacts on humans, marine mammals, birds and other invertebrates. This project will examine relevant genes involved in toxin production in species of the harmful dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium, and study their expression under relevant environmental conditions.
Project 2. Molecular ecology of coral-dinoflagellate symbioses
This project will use molecular genetic techniques to determine the impact on coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis of toxins produced by dinoflagellates (microalgae). In this project, the candidate will: sequence relevant genes associated with toxin production from coral symbionts, determine their evolution in relation to other toxin-production genes, and determine their expression under a variety of ecological parameters.
Application criteria:
- A first class honours or MSc degree, and/or published work or research experience.
- A strong grounding in molecular genetic techniques, microbiology, phytoplankton research and/or chemistry is an advantage.
- Australian and New Zealand applicants will be preferred; other applicants will need to be competitive for an international postgraduate research scholarship at UTS which covers tuition fees for 3 years.
- Successful students will be expected to submit an application for a PhD based at UTS by 26th October 2012 (for commencement by 31st March 2013)
How to apply:
- Submit a full CV, including three referees to Dr Shauna Murray by 14th September 2012
- A brief (1/2 page) research proposal based on the project of interest
More information:
Contact Dr Shauna Murray, s.murray@unsw.edu.au
PhD Research Projects - Marine Molecular Ecology (448KB pdf)
